Boise Dentists Blog

At Summit Dental, we love sharing our everyday life. Sometimes we'll post about tips on brushing your teeth or about how much we love our new office. Check back often to see what the latest is at our Boise Dentist Office.

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What is Bad Breath & What causes it?

Bad breath. Everyone gets it. It can spoil close moments or cause embarrassment in others. It can be the result of many different factors ranging from everyday foods we eat to poor dental habits among signs of more serious medical issues.

In most cases, bad breath is an unfortunate side-affect of foods being broken down in the mouth. Garlic or onions for example are main culprits when it comes to stinky breath. Brushing and flossing help but the odor from these types of foods tend to stick around until your body has successfully processed them.

Another cause of bad breath is from poor dental habits. Brushing and flossing teeth daily prevents food particles from remaining in your mouth which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, gums and on the tongue. Smoking or chewing tobacco products are also a cause for bad breath. Not only are these products unhealthy but they also happen to stain teeth, irritate gums, and reduce your ability to smell & taste your favorite foods.

What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?

In rare cases, bad breath can also be a warning sign of something much more serious. If you suffer from bad breath consult with your Boise dentist at your next Boise teeth cleaning to discuss treatment options. The first key to good oral health is the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease. Other causes of bad breath can include poorly fitted dental applications, yeast infections or dry mouth (xerostomia) among sinus, throat, or lung infections.

Tackling Bad Breath – Prevention & Treatment

While treatment of bad breath depends on the cause it’s a good idea to practice good oral health habits to ensure the overall health of your mouth. Below are some tips to help tackle your bad breath issues:

Brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue cleaner also helps remove bacteria and buildup from eating and drinking.

See your Boise dentist regularly to ensure your Boise dental work is properly fitted and cleaned.

Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

Drink plenty of water to help wash bacteria from your mouth among other health benefits.

Chew sugarless gum to stimulate the production of saliva to help wash away unwanted bacteria.

Keep in mind that while mouthwash may temporarily hide bad breath odors, it does not treat the underlying cause.

Natural remedies include chewing on mint or parsley.

In conclusion, if you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see your Boise dentist. Regular checkups allow your Boise dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, or medical disorders.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling a regular professional Boise teeth cleaning are essential to reducing bad breath issues. Don’t forget to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly!